Alvin Keith Warner

Alvin Keith Warner, 82, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2020 at his home in Pahrump, Nevada. He died surrounded by family and friends of lymphoblastic lymphoma on Memorial Day as a fallen hero to those who knew him. He was a Cold War Patriot who worked as a uranium miller in his youth and served in the U.S. Army overseas from 1958-1961.

His father's name was also Alvin so his family called him "Keith." When he married his Viking Spanish-speaking wife Susan, he wanted her to call him "Caro" which means "Dear" in Italian; then he was Daddy-O to his two children, Vanessa and Matt; his Spanish-speaking friends called him Mister "Albino;" his many nieces and nephews called him "Uncle Keith" and thought of him as the Patriarch of the family and a Renaissance man. He was "Brother Warner" and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an avid scholar and wrote about his ancestors who were Latter Day-Saint pioneers. He enjoyed visiting with all the missionaries that came and stayed at his beautiful home.

Now he's gone to his other home in the spirit world with his parents, Alvin Chesser Warner and Willie Billie Maxwell. He was born September 22, 1937 in Springerville, Arizona. This date was significant to him as a Latter-day Saint. He also believed our Founding Fathers were inspired when they wrote the U S. Constitution. He was a true patriot.

Keith was born during the Great Depression. His father was fortunate to find employment on the Navajo reservation. Living on and near "the rez" taught Keith the art of buying and selling Native American arts and crafts. A true rez-kid at heart, he loved the Navajo people and often talked about the origins of the Ancient Anasazi in relation to the Book of Mormon.

Keith embodied the true meaning of renaissance: adventurer, archaeologist, author, entrepreneur, explorer, geologist, and trader. He scouted for uranium deposits as he flew in cockpits of propeller planes which is just one example of his many adventures. Most of all, he was a loving son, husband, and father.

Keith followed in the footsteps of his father and became a teacher. He primarily taught Science to high school students throughout his teaching career. His students were successful and won top awards at the National Science Fairs. Keith was the recipient of the New Mexico Outstanding Secondary Educator of America Award in 1973. He wrote grants and subsequently received monies enabling him to do hands-on projects with his students including research and field explorations at Ash Meadows, a national wildlife refuge in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.

Admittedly a mama's boy, Keith grew up listening to his mom, Billie Maxwell, singing country and western songs. She was the first female recorded in country music, first recorded musician from Arizona by RCA Victor, and known as "the Cowgirl Singer." Keith and Susan co-authored and published a book on his mom not long ago titled, "Billie Maxwell: Remembering the Lost Voice of a Country and Western Pioneer." The book is one of his proudest achievements and an important part of his family's legacy.

Keith's brother, Emerson Lee Warner, and sisters, Marlene Sanders and Shirley Wilene Warner Walker, preceded him in death. His mom, Billie died in 1954 and his dad remarried twice to Joy Alice Walker Brown and Lenore Lee (all deceased). Keith also lost a son from a prior marriage, Kenneth Washburn.

Keith is survived by his lovely and patient wife Susan Warner of Pahrump, Nevada whom he called his pocket nurse, his spirited and enchanted daughter of the desert, Vanessa Warner and son-in-law Eric Woodman of Pahrump, Nevada, his "best son" Matthew Warner and daughter-in-law Heather Grzelakowski of Las Vegas, Nevada, and his brother-in-laws Stephen, Richard and Stanley Rosholt. He is survived by wonderful nieces and nephews and their progeny from his sister, Shirley Warner Walker and DeVere Ercanbrack Walker (both deceased), his brother Tom Warner and Mickie Fuller Warner, and his brother Rodney Warner and Gwen Huntsman Warner.

Due to the "quarantine" restrictions of the Covid-19 virus, Keith's family has decided to do a virtual memorial service on Zoom for family and friends. He will be laid to rest at the Kirtland Fruitland Cemetery in Kirtland, New Mexico.

The family wants to thank all the people at Comfort Hospice Care, Physicians Choice, Preferred Homecare, Professional Case Management, and Southwest Medical Associates for their service, compassion and care of Keith all these years. They send their heartfelt gratitude to all their family, the Manse Springs Ward family and friends for their ministering love, flowers, and cards. Keith would say, I LOVE YOU MORE!"

Keith's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street in Farmington, New Mexico (505) 325-8688. You may share condolences with the family on our website: www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com.